I use to come to Belize often , but stopped doing so about a year ago when I had a very unpleasant experiences with robbery during my last visit. I have explored the High and Low of Belize, made many friends along the way, I Love its Beauty and people ..and even imagined about maybe "one day",this Life could be Mine.
I haven't been back for over a year, but in the meantime in "armchair travel fantasy" I have been stalking the various local web sites (such as yours), media reports and even the Belize Police reports to see if the situation has improved.
It's gotten so much worse. There are so many reported incidents of robberies, stabbings , shootings of residents and tourists alike ( and local business and owners like Papaya's , the Butcher Shop, etc).
The "Gansta gang activity, the crime and murder rate, which was primarily concentrated in Belize City, and more rural areas like Orange walk, Dangria and up North, now appears to be spreading to the once enclaved and protected tourist areas of San Pedro and North Shore.
I am very interested in your personal experiences as ex-pats and residents living there now. Do you see Corruption, bribery, greed, brutality by the " Powers That Be" (with entitlement issues) in Belize... as is described in many news reports recently? or is it a fabrication by a "Bonkers", Mr. McAfee ... Is he just a Paranoid "bath salt junkie" having a Narcissistic psychotic episode for all the world see ? " or does he make some valid points and observations... regardless, and no matter what?
I have read blogs on other sites written by ex-pats living in Belize, who have described how the system works on the " Other side of Paradise", They tell of their persecution, unfair treatment, bribery, brutality . Each of us experience Truth differently, its in the Eyes of the Beholder.
Maybe ? some just accept the way it is... play the "Jungle Game" as is expected of them....stay low, well behaved and invisible to the eye ... keep to themselves, and have no Troubles in Paradise? Others may be dependent on the Tourist ( 70% of the economy )and Real Estate industry... and therefor reluctant to shed an bad light ....Others, perhaps more visible to the eye, have to pay a higher ante-up?
Is the local saying True?
" You can have whatever you want in Belize, but it its worth having, You have to pay someone to keep it. " Belizeit
I hear both side of the problem and wondering? what are your experiences?
I have followed the blog from time to time and have seen some of your comments.
Much of this blog is about Mr McAfee and his personality eccentricities , or possible drug use? Have any of you ever done illegal drugs or dank alcohol with John McAfee? or know anyone who says they have ..or think they have? I really don't know, having never met the man... maybe some of you ,who have met him, or know him has a better "knowing" than I. I hear many different opinions and experiences of him .He appears "Unknowable", even to those who Know him, ( or may think they Do. )
( I did read Chris' disturbing first hand report, McAfee being found on his patio in a puddle of urine and did see McAfee's slip of the tongue? or unfortunate word choice , in his own words... about drinking tea to , "sober up")
You are so right to say that too much Sensationalism attention is spent on "Who is John McAfee" , and not ...who killed Mr. Faull ? ...or who killed the many others, more invisible to the eye? and Why?
Is that the Press inadequacies not reporting the True Story ? or..Is there anything behind the voyeur personality piece ?
Belize is a small county , not of great significance to the world economy and World order. But it is a microcosm of the way of the World as nit Is? All eyes are upon it, for the Good or the Bad.
Im just wondering? or can you talk freely on this sight?
Thank you for your time. I Look forward to your responses, if you would be so kind.